Navigating Leadership: The Power of Presence and Authenticity

I’ve always had a passion for communication. Over the years, the ways this has manifested has changed. My journey began in the arts, in speech and theater, as well as with the pursuit of a communications degree. This foundation in public speaking and acting served me well during my time as a high school teacher, and ignited my interest in how words and presence can profoundly impact an audience.

After a while, some of the bureaucracy I experienced pushed me to seek more creative and autonomous roles in marketing and communications. My experiences in this realm helped me merge creative expression with business strategy—something that has defined much of my career path.

Embracing Entrepreneurship and Leadership Coaching

Then the entrepreneurial bug bit and I moved into building my own agencies. First in marketing, then in leadership coaching. Through all of my transitions, one constant has remained: the belief that communication is a leadership superpower. This belief is what ultimately led me to discover The Humphrey Group—a company whose mission to empower leaders through communication felt like a natural extension of my own philosophy.

I learned about The Humphrey Group on LinkedIn when I began following Judith Humphrey. Inspired by her content, and the company’s mission and programs, I reached out. It was serendipitous to find that their core teachings – authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of genuine connections – mirrored the principles I had come to value in my own journey, and I came on as a coach with the team.

The Essence of Leadership Presence

At The Humphrey Group, we teach that leadership is not just about commanding a room or telling someone what to do; it's about making genuine connections that inspire and empower. Presence is something that goes beyond mere physical or verbal expression. Far beyond eye contact or body language, it's about how you make people feel and giving them what they need in the moment.

It's about being audience centred and requires that you show up as your true self, which starts by getting crystal clear on your values. This clarity enables leaders to read a room effectively and adjust their communication style to meet their audience’s needs, whether that involves dialing up the energy in a room or bringing the focus back to center during discussions.

In practice, this means creating an environment where feedback is not only welcomed but is seen as essential for growth. When I coach, I know it’s critical to create a safe space where leaders can experiment, refine their approach, and actively engage in self-discovery. I guide leaders through the process of self-assessment and real-time adjustments, helping them to develop a presence that is both authentic and adaptive.

The Transformative Power of Genuine Leadership

Being audience-centric also means recognizing the dynamics at play within each interaction and navigating them by being attuned to the unspoken elements of communication. They must learn to sense the emotional undercurrents, to adapt their messaging, and to respond in ways that acknowledge and address the audience's immediate needs.

This sensitivity enhances their ability to lead effectively, transforming every communication opportunity into a moment of connection and influence. By embracing this nuanced understanding of presence, leaders can break free from the conventional constraints of performance. Instead, they are empowered to lead with authenticity, ensuring their actions and words are not only seen but felt—creating an impact that is both profound and lasting.

Reflecting on the Path to Impactful Leadership

Reflecting on my journey, from the arts to teaching, to corporate roles, and finally to coaching, I see a common thread: the transformative power of authentic communication. At The Humphrey Group, the principles of presence, authenticity, and genuine connection are not just abstract ideals; they are practical tools that align with my own experiences and the practices I encourage in leaders:

• Presence, as I've come to understand and teach it, is about more than just commanding attention. It’s about engaging with your audience on a deeper level – understanding their needs, adapting your approach, and being fully present in the interaction. This approach has shaped my professional and personal relationships.
• Authenticity in leadership means being true to yourself, which empowers you to lead others with integrity. For me, this means aligning my actions with my values, something that has guided me from the classroom to the boardroom.
• Genuine connection is the goal of any leader. I’ve always believed in the importance of building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. These relationships enable leaders to inspire and motivate their teams, fostering environments where innovation and collaboration thrive.

As I continue to evolve both personally and professionally, these principles serve as my foundation and remind me that effective leadership is not about perfection, but about fostering an environment where authenticity and understanding drive success.

Interested in developing your authentic leadership? Learn more about our Authentic Leadership learning experience, where we help leaders like you connect with your values, inspire through presence, and lead with impact.